Presently, personnel are
still being accounted for, a process more difficult due to loss of
communications, power and the sheer size of the destructive path of
Hurricane Frances.

An emergency response crew
with chain saws, heavy equipment, a helicopter and an airplane is
currently supporting recovery efforts for the affected facilities
on Florida’s east coast. Initial damage repair cost estimates
available at this time exceed $10 million for Hurricane Frances. Some
areas have yet to be assessed due to continued flooding, high water
and isolation from tree-blocked roads.

Primary damage is from
the storm surge causing beach erosion and damage to dikes and roads.
Additionally, high winds and rain have damaged visitor centers, offices,
housing, and support buildings.

Wildlife impacts will probably
be greatest on the sea turtles nests being destroyed or buried due
to beach erosion, inundation, or deposition of additional sand over
the nests (reportedly up to two feet at Hobe Sound NWR). Sea turtle
eggs must have a specific depth of sand for incubation. Additional
impacts may be experienced by other species, such as birds and small
mammals from habitat lost from trees and other vegetation damaged
from the high winds or erosion on riverbanks and streams. Aquatic
species may be adversely impacted by additional sediments, effluents
and contaminants washed into streams, lakes, and into the ocean.